A two-day Conference of Vice Chancellors (VCs) of Central Universities (CUs) of which the President is Visitor concluded on February 7, 2014 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The VCs adopted a detailed set of recommendations on the three agenda items of the conference, namely (1) Steps required to improve quality of education in CUs by creating inter-linkages of industry-Academia; (2) Interfacing with Ranking Agencies and (3) use of technology for access, equity and quality in higher education.

Addressing the concluding session, the President announced the institution of Visitor’s Awards for CUs in the categories of ‘Best University’, ‘Innovation’ and ‘Research’.

The President said he was happy to note that it would be possible to fill a substantial number of faculty vacancies of CUs during this calendar year. He called upon Universities to utilize various Programmes of the UGC and appoint adjunct faculty, including from abroad, to make up for shortfalls.

The President said he would speak to the students and faculty of the CUs twice every year. He would also engage in a periodic e-dialogue with Inspired Teachers. The President called upon CUs to fully utilize the talents of their alumni and involve them in the governance of CUs.

The President called upon CUs to make the best possible use of the ICT networks and asked for the expeditious sorting out of last mile connectivity problems.

The President said each CU should set up an Industry Interface Cell, comprising representatives of local industry, industry associations, alumni and faculty to guide collaborative activities such as joint research, faculty exchange, etc. He also asked industry to play an active role in drawing up curriculum and creating open source content for e-learning.

The concluding session was attended by Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Dr. Pallam Raju and Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Shashi Tharoor.